
A MAGA influencer has triggered outrage after filming a video outside a Hindu temple in Texas and questioning the American identity of children born in the U.S.
to immigrant parents, including H-1B visa holders.
The video, posted ahead of the July 4 Independence Day celebrations, showed right-wing commentator Elijah Schaffer standing near a Hindu temple and speaking about birthright citizenship.
According to a Times of India report, Schaffer referred to children of temporary visa holders and argued that being born on U.S. soil should not automatically define American identity.
His remarks came in the backdrop of the continuing debate in the U.S. over birthright citizenship, immigration and H-1B visas.
Schaffer suggested that the meaning of being American was becoming unclear if children born in the country to non-citizen parents were automatically considered citizens.
The comments quickly drew sharp criticism from Indian-origin users and immigration advocates, who accused him of targeting Indian families and children for political messaging.
According to the report, Schaffer also raised questions about how the U.S. administration could address issues related to H-1B visas and temporary protected status if children born in the country are citizens and their parents cannot easily be separated from them.
The video sparked anger because it was filmed with a Hindu temple in the background and appeared to focus on Indian-origin families.
Several users on social media called the remarks anti-Indian and said children should not be dragged into political arguments over immigration.
Commentator Sandeep Neel criticised Schaffer on X, saying the influencer had stood in front of a temple in Frisco, Texas, while filming children and complaining about Indian kids in America.
He also pointed out what he described as contradictions in Schaffer’s views on immigrants and public life.
The controversy comes at a time when immigration has once again become a heated issue in U.S. politics. H-1B visas, largely used by skilled foreign professionals including many Indians, have frequently been attacked by sections of the MAGA movement, which claims the programme hurts American workers.
However, Indian professionals argue that H-1B workers contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, especially in technology, healthcare and engineering sectors. Their U.S.-born children are citizens under the existing interpretation of birthright citizenship.
For many Indian families in America, Schaffer’s comments were seen not merely as an attack on immigration policy, but as a direct attack on their children’s belonging and identity.
The debate has now turned into a larger question: Can children born and raised in America still be treated as outsiders because of their parents’ immigration status?
As the U.S. prepares to celebrate Independence Day, the video has reopened a bitter argument over who gets to be called American — and who decides that.
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Leave VSA and come to India. How many times did u write ram bhakts targetting xians and xlims?